Public procurement and local food for sustainable governance: insights from Dalarna, Sweden

This paper explores an initiative by a local government in Rättvik, Sweden, to increase the consumption of local food in the municipal kitchens. It explores public procurement of local food as a way for local governments to address sustainability and climate goals while meeting residents’ demand for ‘good’ local food. Through a qualitative case study reviewing food and procurement policies across multiple governance levels and expert interviews, this paper examines how to align food, procurement, and sustainability policies. Findings reveal innovative procurement strategies, highlighting how regulations shape local food efforts and how municipalities adapt systems to build local networks.